Jack Nicklaus is upset with Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irish golfer has withdrawn from the Memorial Tournament, hosted by Nicklaus, just weeks after Nicklaus congratulated McIlroy on his Masters win and completion of the career Grand Slam. Golf expert Ryan Lavner has criticized McIlroy’s decision, saying that Nicklaus “deserves his support” and that McIlroy’s withdrawal is particularly notable given their good relationship and recent meeting at Augusta National. McIlroy has been known to skip Signature Events in the past, but Lavner believes that Nicklaus’s stature in the golf world warrants a special effort from McIlroy. Well, if the golf legend really is disappointed with McIlroy’s latest decision, he is not shy in showing it.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Jack Nicklaus said, “Scotty, I think,” when asked who he sees himself in more, McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler. The host, Jamie Weir, also noted that McIlroy’s style is swashbuckling and unpredictable, whereas Scheffler’s approach is more methodical, focusing on hitting fairways and greens in regulation. “Rory’s ball flight has always been a bit of an issue for him, but he’s still had a great career with it. Could he have had a better career if he’d gone a little bit the other way? I don’t know, maybe yes, maybe no,” Nicklaus said.
Well, it’s not only Nicklaus who thinks the ball flight is a problem for McIlroy — legendary coach Butch Harmon has also weighed in on the issue, suggesting that McIlroy needs to “bring down that ball flight” by chopping off his big follow-through, particularly with his wedges. However, when McIlroy does dial in a shorter follow-through on these shots, the results are fantastic. At the 2025 Masters, he’s been unleashing a nasty, flighty wedge shot with a low trajectory and plenty of spin, hitting it 13 times in three rounds with incredible accuracy – his average proximity from 50-125 yards is an impressive 13′ 2”, a massive improvement from his season average of 20′ 5”, which would only rank him 148th on tour.
So, in that context, Nicklaus identifies more with Scheffler’s approach, emphasizing the importance of keeping the ball in play and playing smart golf. “I think Scottie’s learned at a fairly young age that keeping the ball in play is key. He’s certainly long enough, but he doesn’t try to be the longest guy out there. He makes sure he puts it in play, then he’s got a second shot to play. I think that wins golf tournaments more often than hitting it over the top of trees and so forth,” Nicklaus said.
He believes that Scheffler’s mentality, which he refers to as his “15th club,” is a key factor in his success.
Scottie Scheffler spills the beans on his controlled game
Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, had been in total control of his golf ball in 2024, with five wins that season, including the Players and the Masters. His ability to hit every shot a course asked of him was a key factor in his success. Scheffler could shape the ball in all the right ways, whether it was a high ball or a low one, a fade or a draw. As the U.S. Open approached at Pinehurst No. 2, Scheffler’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s were likely to be put to the test. With his impressive record, it was clear that Scheffler was built to dominate on courses like Pinehurst No. 2.
Scheffler shared his secrets on how to hit a draw, a shot shape that many golfers struggle with. “With the ball position here, the ball is going to start way out to the right,” he explained. “And all I’m trying to do is get that ball to turn over as much as I can.” To achieve this, Scheffler recommended closing your stance just a touch and moving your ball position to the back of your stance. Then, focus on turning your trail forearm over as you swing to your follow-through, which would help the ball get that intended draw shape. By following these tips, golfers could learn to hit a draw like Scheffler, a valuable shot to have in their arsenal. What are your thoughts on Scheffler’s advice? Let us know in the comment section below!
